Chicago's Comedy Scene, As Loved By George Carlin And Wife

Sally Wade, a comedy writer and performer, is the author of The George Carlin Letters: The Permanent Courtship of Sally Wade, a comedic glimpse into her day-to-day life with her late husband. Inseparable for the last 10 years of Carlin's life, Wade says the couple felt as if they existed in a parallel reality called Jupiter as a way of dealing with how they felt so alienated from, as L.A Weekly puts it, "the planet of Squares known as Earth." The book also serves as a goofy, romantic guide on how to have a relationship "in a secret code so the FBI can't crack it." Below are Wade's memories about one of her and Carlin's favorite clubs where the pair checked out local talent. Find out more at The George Carlin Letters page on Facebook or simonandschuster.com.

Zanies Comedy Night Club

1548 North Wells Street
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 337-4027
Reviews, directions and details

What I remember about Zanies is the butterflies in my stomach when George brought me out on stage for the first time. And the only reason he performed that night was to introduce me. I think the audience was stunned into silence because the George Carlin had dropped by. In fact, the only time they laughed at either of us was when I spilled my iced tea and asked if they were on Demerol. That was first and last time I ever let him introduce me on stage. In the Old Town area, cozy with great atmosphere and a friendly staff.